Houston-based systems integrator BSG Corp and the Philips Communications & Processing Services arm of Philips Electronics NV have formed a new joint venture to help companies move to a client-server architecture. The venture, which will be run through BSG’s BSG/Alliance IT unit, is targeting multinationals looking for client-server development, data centre consolidation and management, and global telecommunications services. BSG/Alliance IT also claims that it’s the only systems transformation company capable of properly supporting business process re-engi-neering – but then, so do dozens of others. Both companies have made multi-million dollar investments on the venture, which will be 51% owned by BSG. One of the most important elements of the new service offerings will be people transformation, say the companies – the re-engineering of business management and training and education. Other services available include data centre management and consolidation – the company can supply and supp-ort a range of mainframe and mid-range systems running IBM Corp MVS, VM or VSE operating systems and on VMS clusters from Digital Equipment Corp. The idea is to manage the client’s legacy systems through the move to client-server. Finally, the companies have also thrown in some global telecommunications services, using Philips C&P’s wide area, multi-protocol network. Philips C&P chief M Gelijns, said the venture is talking to a large num-ber of potential clients, but that no deals had yet been signed.
